Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, explores how TikTok is impacting teen mental health and what parents need to know to protect and support their children.
Starting young on smartphones and social media could be affecting our kids’ mental health later in life. A global study by Sapien Labs and the Global Mind Project found that the earlier a child gets their own phone or tablet, the more likely they are to face mental health challenges as young adults.
These can include emotional detachment, aggressive behaviour, and even suicidal thoughts, especially among young women.
“Social media is not inherently harmful,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“But when used too much or without the right support, it can have a serious impact on a young person’s emotional well-being.”
“TikTok is more than just dancing and memes,” Hewlett adds.
“For many teens, it’s how they connect, share, and express themselves. That’s why it’s so important to understand both the positive and negative sides so that we can guide them better.”
Why Teens Love TikTok
TikTok’s secret weapon is its algorithm—it learns what users like and delivers personalised content endlessly. It offers everything from beauty tips and jokes to study hacks and emotional confessions.
For teens, this feels like a space that “gets” them. But this same feature can also pull users into emotionally harmful content, especially when they’re already feeling vulnerable.
Mental Health Risks
1. Anxiety and Depression
Many studies show that heavy social media use can contribute to anxiety and depression in young people. For instance, a 2024 review found that social network use is strongly linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, and reduced overall happiness, especially when usage is frequent, involves multiple platforms, or lasts for extended periods.
TikTok’s “For You” feed can intensify this effect by promoting emotionally charged or even harmful content, including videos that romanticise self-harm or unhealthy coping strategies, making this concern even more urgent.
2. Poor Sleep Quality
Many teens report using TikTok right before bed. The app’s endless scroll and dopamine feedback loop often lead to disrupted sleep and late-night scrolling marathons. Poor sleep contributes to mood swings, poor concentration, and higher stress levels.
3. Body Image and Comparison
TikTok is a visual platform. Beauty filters, unrealistic standards, and perfectly curated bodies can make ordinary teens feel inadequate. Many influencers push diets, skincare routines, or fitness regimes that aren’t age-appropriate or scientifically sound.
4. Cyberbullying and Peer Pressure
Teens are especially vulnerable to online bullying and the pressure to “go viral”. Posting publicly increases the risk of receiving negative comments or being exposed to harassment from strangers or classmates.
Even subtle peer validation through “likes” and comments can become an unhealthy source of self-worth.
The Emotional Whiplash of Viral Trends
TikTok trends change daily, and while some are fun and harmless, others are deeply problematic. Dangerous challenges, self-diagnosing mental health disorders, and romanticising trauma can negatively influence impressionable users.
Teens may engage with trends without fully understanding the risks or recognising when content is manipulative or misleading.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
TikTok doesn’t have to be the enemy. With the right tools and boundaries, it can be part of a healthy digital life.
- Open the Conversation
Create a judgment-free space where your teen feels comfortable talking about what they see online. Ask what content they enjoy, how it makes them think, and if they’ve ever seen something upsetting.
- Set Digital Boundaries
Help them manage screen time, especially before bed. Encourage breaks from social media and support offline hobbies and relationships.
- Teach Critical Thinking
Explain how the TikTok algorithm works. Help your teen question what they see online and understand the difference between reality and performance.
- Monitor Changes
Watch for red flags such as isolation, mood swings, poor sleep, or obsession with online approval. These could be signs that their screen time is affecting their mental health.
Final Thoughts
TikTok can be a fun way for teens to express themselves and connect with others, but it can also lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and pressure. By staying involved and offering support, you can help your teen maintain their overall health, both online and offline. Affinity Health’s Day-to-Day Plans include 24/7 access to medical advice, mental health support, and trauma counselling—so if your teen ever needs help, you’re never alone.